The manager of Steve's Produce for eight years, Mitchell said the whole idea of expanding into the mall was convenience for customers. The business made the move earlier this summer.

Mall manager Lawrence Scollo approached her with the idea, touting the mall's ability to reach people who don't have cars and those who come to the mall before shops open for fitness walks.

"My boss [owner Steve Jabbour] jumped right on it," Mitchell said.

Mitchell welcomed the move after working under a tent on U.S. 441 in Leesburg.

"I'm really enjoying it after being outside all these years," she said. "It's a lot cooler in here, and the wind's not blowing, and the rain's not coming in at me.

"I do miss my regular customers though," she said. "From being there so many years, I got close to lot of them."

As for business inside the mall, it could be busier, but Mitchell said she's optimistic.

"I think for as much advertisement as we did, we're doing pretty good," she said. "But a lot of people don't know we're here."

SHOPPERS LIKE CONVENIENCE

Mitchell said shoppers and mall employees are glad to come across the stand.

"They say it saves them from having to stop at other places. Some people may just want a head of lettuce or a tomato. It's convenient for them."

Eustis resident Jimmie Monk, 73, doesn't drive any longer because of poor eyesight. He's been one of Mitchell's repeat customers since she opened in the mall June 28.

"I use Lake County Transit to get to the mall. Coming here [the produce stand] saves me from having to walk to the grocery store," he said. "If I'm at home I have to walk to get my groceries or take a taxi."

"I enjoy coming over here," he said. "I don't have to get out in the hot sun to walk or walk if it's raining."

Monk said he prefers the bus trips to the mall and tries to avoid taxis.

Leesburg residents Cliff and Ali Shinn drive to the mall, but also find the produce stand convenient.

"We do stop here all time," Ali Shinn said.

She said they usually buy small amounts because it's just the two of them. "We used to be a family of six," she said.

EARLY-BIRD HOURS

Mitchell said fitness walkers buy from her, too. Her hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Sunday, when the stand is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., like the rest of the mall. Monday through Saturday she opens two hours before the other mall shops, to get business from early-morning walkers.

She said that if business increases, Steve's might consider staying open into the evenings.

"We want them to be successful," Scollo said.

"We let her open earlier and close earlier to get more business."

Mitchell said mall employees provide another source of business, and many have become regular customers. She said they often buy small amounts, "maybe an apple or banana."

Regis Hairstylists is inside the mall, next to the produce stand. Regis hairstylist Annette Prince buys tomatoes and other produce at the stand.

"I think it's pretty neat," she said. "It's convenient for me to come over and get stuff."

Prince admitted she wished the stand were busier. "I think they'll do good in the winter time," she said.

Mitchell said the other mall employees are glad she's there and have encouraged her.

One shop owner told her to try carrying gourmet items such as Vidalia dressing or special jellies.

Mitchell said she plans to get in touch with dealers who sell those items.

The stand is close to the inside entrance of JC Penney.

Mitchell doesn't have a phone yet at the mall location, but the number for Steve's Produce's main location is 352-728-3454.